Dr. John Watterson, MD, FRCPC , Vancouver, BC
Osteoarthritis commonly affects:
- Knees
- Hips
- Hands and fingers
- Spine
- Feet
Symptoms
- Joint pain during or after movement
- Stiffness, especially after waking up or resting
- Reduced flexibility or range of motion
- A grating sensation (bones rubbing together)
- Swelling around the joint
- Bone spurs (extra bone growths)
Dr. John Watterson, MD, FRCPC , Vancouver, BC
Osteoarthritis (OA) Nutrition: MINDS MUSCLE MEALS
Dr. Maziar Badii, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC
Dr. Maziar Badii, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC
Featuring Dr. Stefanie Wade, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC
Featuring Dr. Stefanie Wade, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC
Featuring Dr. Jason Kur, MD, FRCPC Vancouver, BC
Common mental health impacts include:
- Depression: Chronic pain, reduced mobility, and loss of independence can increase the risk of depression.
- Anxiety: People may worry about worsening symptoms, future disability, or their ability to work and perform daily activities.
- Stress: Ongoing pain and physical limitations can create significant emotional stress.
- Sleep problems: Pain often disrupts sleep, and poor sleep can worsen mood, concentration, and overall mental well-being.
- Social isolation: Difficulty participating in activities, hobbies, or social events can lead to loneliness and reduced social connection.
- Cognitive effects: While OA does not directly cause dementia or major cognitive impairment, chronic pain and poor sleep can affect attention, memory, and mental clarity.
Research has found that people with OA experience depression and anxiety at higher rates than the general population, partly because chronic pain affects both physical and emotional health.
If you or someone you know has OA and is experiencing persistent sadness, anxiety, loss of interest in activities, or significant changes in sleep or appetite, it’s worth discussing these symptoms with a healthcare professional. Treatment approaches such as pain management, physical activity, counseling, and, when appropriate, medication can help address both the physical and mental aspects of OA.
Osteoarthritis (OA) Exercise: MINDS MUSCLE MEALS
Mr. Nick Pratap, Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC
Mr. Nick Pratap, Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC
Mr. Nick Pratap, Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC
Mr. Bradley Vance, Physiotherapist, Surrey, BC
Treatment
While osteoarthritis cannot be reversed, treatments can help manage symptoms:
- Regular low-impact exercise (walking, swimming, cycling)
- Weight management
- Physical therapy
- Pain-relief medications such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen
- Joint injections in some cases
- Joint replacement surgery for severe disease
Risk Factors
- Aging
- Previous joint injuries
- Excess body weight
- Repetitive stress on joints
- Family history
- Certain bone or joint abnormalities
Dr Grant lum Sports Medicine Physican, Toronto
Osteoarthritis (OA) knee pain is pain caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint. As the cartilage wears down, the bones and surrounding tissues can become irritated, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Common symptoms
Knee pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
Stiffness, especially after waking up or sitting for a long time
Swelling around the knee
A grinding, clicking, or crackling sensation during movement
Reduced range of motion
Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair
Dr. John Watterson, MD, FRCPC , Vancouver, BC
Dr Kamran Shojania, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC
Dr Kamran Shojania, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC
Dr. Grant Lum Sports Medicine ,Toronto.
Benefits for osteoarthritis
Research suggests isometric exercises may help:
- Reduce joint pain
- Improve muscle strength around affected joints
- Enhance joint stability
- Improve physical function
- Place less stress on painful joints compared with some dynamic exercises
These benefits are especially relevant for OA affecting the knees, hips, or hands.